Tests during pregnancy:Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)

How is CVS performed and why?

Chorionic Villi Sampling (CVS)
Chorionic villus sampling is performed on pregnant women who are at risk for carrying a baby with a genetic or chromosomal defect. The test is usually performed between the 10th and 12th week of pregnancy. CVS is done instead of amniocentesis. Because the chance of having a child with downs sydnrome increases with maternal age, it is recommended that women age 35 and older recieve the test. If you have a history of miscarriage or have a family history of genetic disease, you may also be offered the test.

For women who have experienced vaginal bleeding or spotting during their pregnancy, chorionic villus sampling is not recommended. It is not typically recommended for women who have Rh sensitization from a previous pregnancy.

Procedure:
The procedure is performed either through the vagina and the cervix (transcervically) or through the abdomen (transabdominally). Sometimes the patient can decide which she prefers. In some cases, the location of the placenta dictates which method the doctor uses. Both methods are equally safe and effective. Following the preparation time, both procedures take only about five minutes. Some women will not experience any pain, and others may feel a pinching or cramping sensation.

During the transcervical procedure, the woman lies on an examining table on her back with her feet in stirrups. The vaginal area is thoroughly cleansed with an antiseptic and a sterile speculum is inserted into her vagina and opened. The cervix is then cleansed with an antiseptic. Using ultrasound as a guide, the doctor inserts a thin, plastic tube called a catheter through the cervix and into the uterus. The passage of the catheter through the cervix may cause cramping. The doctor carefully watches the image produced by the ultrasound and advances the catheter to the chorionic villi. By applying suction from the syringe attached to the other end of the catheter, a small sample of the chorionic villi are obtained. A cramping or pinching feeling may be felt as the sample is being taken. The catheter is then easily withdrawn.

For the transabdominal method, the woman lies on her back on an examining table. Ultrasound enables the doctor to locate the placenta. The specific area on the woman's abdomen is cleansed thoroughly with an antiseptic and a local anesthetic may be injected to numb the area. With ultrasound guidance, a long needle is inserted through the woman's abdominal wall, through the uterine wall and to the chorionic villi. The sample is obtained by applying suction from the syringe.

After the procedure, the sample is immediately sent to the laboratory. At the laboratory, the sample is examined under the microscope and any contaminating cells or material is carefully removed. The villi can be analyzed immediately, or incubated for a day or more to allow for cell division. The cells are stopped in the midst of cell division and spread onto a microscope slide. Cells with clearly separated chromosomes are photographed so that the type and number of chromosomes can be analyzed. Chromosomes are strings of DNA which have been tightly compressed. Humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes including the sex chromosomes. Rearrangements of the chromosomes or the presence of additional or fewer chromosomes can be identified by examination of the photograph. Down syndrome, for instance, is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. In addition to the chromosomal analysis, specialized tests can be performed as needed to look for specific diseases such as Tay-Sachs Disease. Depending upon which tests are performed, results may be available as early as two days or up to eight days after the procedure.



Comments: Tests during pregnancy - Chorionic-Villi-Sampling-(CVS)

Comments 1 to 4 of about 4.


misslynnz - 156 days ago.
My baby is healthy! He is 9 months old. Because I was 37 the Doctors suggested I do the CVS test. It came back abnormal with Tetrapolidy. They told me my baby would not live because he had 92 chromosomes. They suggested I do the amino, it came back abnormal. Well, I had faith. . . and I have a healthy baby boy. Good thing I did not listen to the 'false positive' results. If you get bad news. . . remember it could be a 'false postive' like in my pregnancy. My prayers are with you.

nikosmommy - 253 days ago.
TR, maybe just pass on the CVS. Yes you are older during this pregnancy, but if you are concerned about the level of skill/experience of your local doctors who would be doing the procedure and are worried about potential miscarriage,,,,then why put yourself through the stress? I suppose the answer depends how you would handle the outcome of the test....

TR-Baby2 - 253 days ago.
Since I'm 40 this time around, I was really considering having the CVS done ... But, now, I'm getting very nervous about the risk of m/c. I have a 2.5 year old that wants me to carry him around ... shouldn't bed-rest & no lifting be advised after an invasive procedure like this?? And, for how long?? I'm probably gonna chicken out and just go with the Integrated Test first - if I rec'v. poor results from that, then ... ??? Anyone else have the CVS done? How was your experience? Also, a BIG part of my fears stem from living in a smaller area - I worry that the local docs may not have the experience with this that a doc in a major city would have, you know?? :(

juicy - 413 days ago.
Received my results from my CVS testing on yesterday this evening. The nurse said everything came back normal and that we are having a BOY!

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